R.A.D. Camps

R.A.D. Camps offers summer, fall, and winter youth programs in Bend, Oregon for kids ages 7-17. Our programs explore more than 50 unique locations in the forests and mountains of Central Oregon while learning about nature.

The adventures focus on fun, free play, camaraderie, and promoting an appreciation for the natural world.

R.A.D. Camps is the only free play-based camp in the area!

Our programs promote creativity, social interaction, and physical activity for campers of all ages, giving kids a break from their structured schedules.

R.A.D. Camps Family since 2008

Camp Programs for Every Age Group

Registration Launches March 2nd, 2024

Summer Day Camps
in Oregon

R.A.D. Camps offers summer day camps for children ages 7-17. Programs for ages 7-12 start at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Monday - Friday.​ Teen programs operate every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Registration Launches March 2nd, 2024

R.A.D. Sprouts for
Little Kids

R.A.D. Sprouts is our summer day camp program for kids 4-6 years old. Adventures are held at local state parks Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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Registration Launch Nov 1st, 2023

Hoodoo Night Skiing & Snowboarding

Ski trips for ages 7-17 run every Friday night throughout the winter, starting in January. Vans leave at 4:30 p.m. and return to Bend at 10:30 pm.

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How Our Summer Camp Programs Work

Pick Up

We pick up our R.A.D. campers at 8 a.m. at William E. Miller Elementary School.

Off to Explore

We load our gear into the R.A.D. van and we're off to explore one of 50 destinations.

Fun & Adventure

Once at the trailhead, kids put on their backpacks and hit the trail for fun and the adventure of a lifetime!

See how fun it is

Our Guided Programs Encourage Exploration

​R.A.D. Camps is a free play-based program! The children play games together, swim, eat lunch, and become familiar with local flora and fauna. We encourage them to use their imagination to explore and have fun in the gorgeous natural surroundings.

A main focus of our programs is to teach kids to appreciate and respect the environment while practicing "Leave No Trace" principles.

R.A.D. Summer Camp in Oregon Recaps!

Testimonials

"Rad Camps was the highlight of our summer. Each day we attended, our son got more and more comfortable with the outdoors and trying new things. Snakes, fishing, crawdads, swimming and hiking to name a few.  On the first day at drop off, the counselors greeted our son, he was pretty reserved, and quiet. They said “it’s gonna be great, we will grab you a snake”. He bravely left for the lake. At pick up he said he had the best day ever and had held a snake. This was the best summer experience we could give our child.

Alyssa Epstein

"This is my 8-year-old son’s first summer at R.A.D. Camps, and it is by far the best summer he has ever had! He’s having so much fun exploring and learning about the outdoors. And it’s awesome to watch his confidence grow as he makes new friends, engages in new adventures, and becomes more connected with nature. Plus, the guides are all so attentive, energetic, and amazing at what they do, and the staff-to-child ratio is so low, that the whole experience is completely unlike any other camp. We’re totally hooked on R.A.D. Camps!"

Kelli Kennedy

"Participation in R.A.D. Camps has been such a positive thing for my family. My two sons are looking forward to their third summer with R.A.D. Camps and will be joined by their younger sister this year! I am continually being amazed by the skills, knowledge and personal growth they have acquired through this experience. As well as building self-confidence, the program has also allowed them to build new friendships and establish a lasting connection to our beautiful state!"

Jennifer Marks

"R.A.D. Camps have been wonderful for our son Sam.  In addition to fun and adventure, R.A.D. Camps have taught Sam to identify plants and animals, to be safe and start him down the road to self-reliance and appreciation of the natural world.  Now our seven-year-old daughter can't wait to start this summer."

Stephanie and Jonathan

"R.A.D. Camps is the only camp our son wants to go to this summer. Our experience with R.A.D. Camps has been first class. They have taken their passion for the out of doors and combined it with the simple pleasures of hiking, exploring, and learning. We are thrilled with what the R.A.D. Camps adventure has to offer."

Christen & Christian

"We love R.A.D camps! It has been an amazing experience for our son Alder. He is getting out and enjoying some of the most beautiful places that Central Oregon has to offer. There is nothing better than your kid spending the day hiking, swimming, caving and making new friends, including frogs! R.A.D. Camps have created a wonderful outlet for kids to experience things they might not have ever experienced before. We are thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful program and we look forward to getting "R.A.D." every summer!"

Butsch Family

Thank you to all our sponsors for helping
kids get outside!

Interested in being
a sponsor?

Become a sponsor